In my last post I mentioned I was in the process of reading Frank Viola’s God’s Favorite Place on Earth and made reference to “the forgotten beatitude.”   It can be found in Matthew 11:6: “And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”  Rather than repeat a bunch of words, take a moment to check out the post.  

First, let’s set the stage.  Jesus’ cousin John was in prison and sent some disciples to ask if Jesus was the one they have been waiting for.  It does seem strange that John, who was the messenger calling out the entrance of Jesus into the lives of people, would have these kinds of doubts.   Let’s also bring in Mary and Martha when Lazarus dies.  Their words to Jesus were, “If only you had been here.”  How short-sighted their remark would prove to be.  Frank puts it this way: “In Lazarus’ resurrection, Jesus demonstrated that death no longer has the last word.”  But they were offended  because 1) Jesus didn’t arrive in time to heal Lazarus; 2) they may have interpreted the messenger’s words as Jesus saying Lazarus would not die; and 3) Jesus didn’t even show up for Lazarus’ funeral (a major cultural slam).  Their offense duly noted.

What about us?  That is the point of this and the following two posts.  Why do Christ-followers today get offended by Jesus?

#1  HE DEMANDS TOO MUCH

As you read through the Gospels, you cannot help but see Jesus continually warning His disciples of what was to come.  “The world will hate you because it hated me.”  “I have said these things to keep you from falling away.”  “I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.”  “You must deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Me.”  “No man can serve two masters.”  On and on it goes.  Jesus doesn’t want mamby-pamby followers. He wants followers who will give unconditional surrender. That sure smacks in the face of the so-called “preachers” and “prophets” who feed their people an easy religion of health and wealth.  They leave the hard parts out!  Jesus made it totally clear that following Him wouldn’t lead to a bed of roses (unless you consider the prominence of thorns).  Suffering and loss are involved.

So people get offended when they are sold a bill of goods and then find out following Jesus is tough.  Being a follower of Jesus is not popular anymore.  More like the odd man out.  And so the going gets tough and they feel lied to.

The demand to follow Jesus is not a part-time gig.  It is a full-time proposition.

Frankly, if you want something part-time you might want to check out your local grocery store.  They can always use people who will spare a couple hours a week.

Do you think Jesus demands too much?  Were you ever sold a bill of goods about following Jesus?